In an era where scientific discovery is central to solving humanity’s biggest challenges – from climate change to AI – Europe is making a bold move.
The European Union has launched the Choose Europe initiative, a sweeping plan to attract top international researchers and cement the continent’s place as the global epicentre for innovation.
Highlighted in a speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Paris’s historic Sorbonne University, the initiative promises to elevate research in Europe by offering world-class funding, open scientific collaboration, and streamlined access to global talent.
At its core, Choose Europe is more than a policy – it’s a declaration that science, freedom, and progress belong at the heart of the European project.
With research seemingly stagnating across the pond, with President Trump threatening to cut federal funding to US universities, the Choose Europe initiative could prove instrumental in capitalising on this talent and positioning Europe at the pinnacle of scientific discovery.
Set against the backdrop of growing global challenges and increasing competition for scientific talent, von der Leyen made a compelling case for Europe as a beacon of scientific freedom, opportunity, and collaboration.
von der Leyen explained: “In Europe, children can go to good schools independent of their parents’ income; controversial debates at our universities are welcome; we consider freedom of science and research as fundamental, not only because it is a core value for us, but also because this is how excellence and innovation thrives.
“This is why Europe is open to the best and brightest. This is why we will make proposals to help them ‘Choose Europe’. Because we want scientists and researchers from all over the world to make Europe their home – and to make Europe the home of innovation again.”
Honouring the past to inspire the future
To frame the vision of Choose Europe, von der Leyen evoked the powerful story of Maria Skłodowska-Curie – better known as Marie Curie – whose pursuit of science defied social and political barriers.
Curie’s journey from underground schools in occupied Poland to groundbreaking research at Sorbonne, where she became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields, exemplifies what Europe stands for: freedom of thought, access to opportunity, and the power of open science.
This story served not only as a tribute to Europe’s legacy but also as a call to action: to once again lead the world in scientific advancement.
Why Europe? The natural home for global research
Europe’s credentials in research are impressive and expansive. It is home to over two million researchers – around 25% of the global total – and leads in critical sectors such as green technology, health, engineering, and digital science.
Europe is also host to Horizon Europe, the world’s largest international research programme, with a funding pool exceeding €93bn.
Von der Leyen highlighted how European investments have already delivered transformative innovations – from genome sequencing to mRNA vaccines, from developing microchips to the first-ever image of a black hole.
With such a track record, she argued, the case for choosing Europe as a research destination is stronger than ever.
Pillars of the Choose Europe initiative
At the core of the initiative are three pillars aimed at making Europe more attractive, accessible, and effective for researchers around the world.
1. Scientific freedom and openness
Europe is doubling down on its commitment to open and free scientific exploration. The European Commission plans to introduce a new European Research Area Act that will legally enshrine the freedom of scientific research in Europe.
In tandem, efforts will be made to improve the movement of knowledge and data across borders – treating it with the same importance as the free flow of goods and capital in the single market.
2. Robust funding and long-term support
A new €500m package for 2025–2027 will support international researchers choosing to work in Europe.
The European Research Council (ERC) will offer extended “super grants” and increase relocation top-ups to incentivise global talent.
Early-career researchers will benefit from expanded contracts and better allowances through the Maria Skłodowska-Curie pilot, especially in frontier areas such as AI and quantum science.
In the long term, the EU is targeting 3% of GDP for research and development by 2030, cementing science as a foundational pillar of the European economy.
3. Innovation to market – faster
Recognising the need to accelerate the journey from laboratory to market, the EU will propose its first-ever European Innovation Act.
Paired with a Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the act will remove regulatory bottlenecks and ease access to venture capital for science-driven businesses. The aim is to turn breakthrough research in Europe into real-world innovation at a global scale.
Making Europe a magnet for global talent
To ensure the best minds can live and work in Europe with ease, the initiative includes measures to speed up visa processes and strengthen support for research careers.
The EU will bolster platforms that connect researchers with institutions and jobs, simplifying relocation and offering career guidance to those moving to Europe.
The message is clear: Europe is open for scientific excellence and is ready to welcome the world’s top talent with open arms.
Closing her speech with a call to future scientists, von der Leyen emphasised that Europe is making a choice to invest in a smarter, more sustainable future.
“We are choosing to be the continent where innovation serves humanity, where global talent is welcomed,” she said. “To every young girl and boy who dreams of a life in science, as Marie Curie once did – Choose science. Choose Europe.”
With the Choose Europe initiative, the EU is setting the stage for a new golden age of scientific achievement – where research in Europe drives global progress.
